When you finally get a moment to yourself after a long day. You’re considering a small glass of wine to relax from the struggles of your parenthood. But then the list of harms comes to your mind, as shown online or at medical seminars.
Many young mums find themselves in this exact situation. Stuck between choosing a well-deserved break and concerns about what’s best for their baby.
So much conflicting information is available out there. Let us sort this confusion once & all for you.
At Main Street Medical Centre. Our team of experienced, compassionate doctors can give you clear and reliable answers. For all your queries regarding pregnancy or your baby’s health. So, you can feel confident in your choices along the journey of parenthood.
Let’s move toward the topic.
Harms of Alcohol Intake While Breastfeeding
Alcohol is generally prohibited during pregnancy, & rightfully so. As it causes several short-term & long-term complications. & affect the health of both mother & child. As for breastfeeding. The main harmful impact of alcohol is its effect on milk ejection.
Research found that alcohol causes decreased milk-ejection reflex in the mother. Which means that the baby can’t be fed properly. & also, the quality of milk is compromised. Because all the substances that enter your bloodstream can also get added to the breast milk. So alcohol also gets added to breast milk. & That milk containing alcohol content will significantly affect the health of the baby.
How Can Drinking Alcohol While Breastfeeding Affect Your Baby’s Health?
Alcohol gets transferred from mother to baby through breast milk. At a concentration close to what’s in the mother’s blood. Meaning that if you drink while breastfeeding your baby. Your baby will also be exposed to alcohol.
Moreover, Infants metabolise & excrete alcohol at a much slower rate than adults. So, they are more sensitive to its harmful effects. Prolonged or excessive alcohol intake while breastfeeding can cause the following problems in infants.
| Short Term Effects | Long Term Effects |
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Occasional and small intakes may have limited effects. But regular drinking or higher alcohol concentrations can present high risks to infants’ developing systems.
The best option is to avoid alcohol completely while breastfeeding. But if you do drink. Keep the following factors in mind to take the necessary precautions.
What Factors Influence Alcohol’s Impact on Breastfeeding?
Here are some factors that determine the actual impact of alcohol on breastfed babies. So you can control them to keep your baby safe. They include:
- Amount & strength of alcohol consumed
- How quickly the alcohol is consumed
- Time between drinking and breastfeeding
- Consumption of food with or after alcohol
- Mother’s body weight and metabolism
Planning in advance based on these factors can help reduce the risks. So, a way could be made to enjoy an occasional drink while breastfeeding.
How Much Alcohol Intake is Considered Safe While Breastfeeding?
The first & most primary factor is the amount of alcohol consumed.
The safest approach obviously is to avoid it. But, if you are breastfeeding and want to have a drink. You should limit the amount as much as possible.
Guidelines suggest that a small amount, equivalent to one standard glass is safe to drink. As none of harms associated with it was reported in researches.
In Australia, one standard drink is:
- 10g of alcohol (12.5ml of pure alcohol)
- 285ml of full-strength beer
- 100ml glass of wine
- 30ml of spirits
Measurements can vary in other countries.
Also, these quantities are affected by alcohol by volume (ABV) ratio of the drink. As increased ABV can cause more enhanced effects. So, you should also check it on your bottle & then go for a glass.
Timing Your Drinks for Baby’s Safety
Timing is the key to be safe from harms of drinking while nursing your baby. So, keep these important timelines in mind.
- Alcohol will be in your breastmilk 30 to 60 minutes after you start drinking
- Effects of alcohol peak after 60 minutes of intake. & gradually declines afterward.
- 2 hours are required to be free of the alcohol from 1 standard alcoholic drink.
- The timings multiply if you increase the amount of drink (not recommended). E.g. 4 hours for 2 drinks, 6 hours for 3 drinks, and so on.
It can generally be safe if breastfeeding is delayed for about two hours afterward. This recommendation is based on the average time it takes for a healthy adult. To metabolise and eliminate one drink from their system.
For mothers who are breastfeeding and want to have a drink. Keep the alcohol intake low. & space out the drinks over time. It will reduce the potential for alcohol to accumulate in the baby’s system.
Does “Pumping and Dumping” Help Remove Alcohol?
“Pumping and dumping” after alcohol intake refers to expressing breast milk and discarding it. With the intention of “getting rid” of alcohol in the milk.
This practice might relieve engorgement if you need to skip a feed. But it does not speed up the elimination of alcohol from your body or milk.
The only way to lower alcohol levels in breast milk is to wait for your body to metabolise it naturally. Pumping and dumping are therefore unnecessary unless it’s to relieve discomfort while waiting to breastfeed again.
Can Drinking Alcohol Help in Relaxing & Stimulating Milk Production?
An ancient “old wives’ tale” even suggests that: Consumption of alcohol i.e. beer while breastfeeding helps in enhancing milk production.
Let’s break this myth for all young mothers. A barley component in beer (not the alcohol) boosts prolactin production. & hence the milk production. Alcohol content in it does nothing of such kind. In fact, it decreases the amount of milk by affecting milk ejection.
Moreover, after intake of alcohol-infused milk. Infants will also consume less milk in the following three-to-four-hour period. (due to irritability).
So, don’t believe in old folks. & follow the research-supported practices only. If you are breastfeeding and want to have a drink.
Alcohol and Breastfeeding | Important Things to Remember
If you decide to drink alcohol while breastfeeding. Here’s how you can plan it:
- Breastfeed Before Drinking
Nursing your baby just before having a drink will allow more time. So that alcohol can metabolise before the next feed.
- Wait at Least Two Hours
After one standard drink, wait two hours before the next feed. So, the alcohol content reaches to minimum level in your blood as well as in milk.
- Planning in Advance
If your baby is on a regular feeding schedule. Plan to drink shortly after feeding to give yourself more time before the next feed.
- Express Milk in Advance
Expressing milk before consuming alcohol gives you a reserve of alcohol-free milk. Allowing you to extend the time needed for alcohol to leave your system.
- Moderation Is Key
Do not exceed the drinking limit of alcohol in any case. You can only drink the safest minimal amount occasionally.
- Listen to Your Body
Alcohol affects your milk supply as well as your perception level. If you feel even slightly impaired. Delay the breastfeeding until you feel more alert.
- Seek Professional Advice
If you have any confusion or personalised concern. Talk to a trusted healthcare provider. Like Main Street Medical Centre, about your specific situation.
Conclusion
Alcohol is generally harmful to both mother and baby during breastfeeding. But its effects depend on the factors like amount and timing. So, the small amounts are safe to consume if carefully timed.
Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to stay informed and maintain caution. So that breastfeeding remains a healthy and safe experience.
When in doubt, consult with a healthcare provider to get advice that aligns with your needs.
Have Questions About Alcohol and Breastfeeding?
Consult with Main Street Medical Centre
At Main Street Medical Centre. Our compassionate team of reproductive health professionals. deals with all aspects of pregnancy, postnatal care, and breastfeeding.
As a trusted, AGPAL-accredited family practice. We’re committed to supporting parents like you every step of the way. Our commitment to patient safety, excellence, and compassion can sort out all your health questions and concerns.
If you have any queries related to the health of your baby or yourself, reach out to us today.
